Photo: Reuters
According to Reuters, this was due to a sharp rise in memory chip prices and supply shortages, which put pressure on manufacturers and led to price increases. The publication cites preliminary estimates from the research firm Counterpoint Research, published on 12 October.
The study notes that the rise in memory component prices, driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure projects seeking to monopolise supplies, has led to higher production costs and forced manufacturers to raise retail prices, cut supplies and prioritise profitability over production volumes.
“Consumers are keeping their devices for longer than expected, increasingly considering refurbished devices and prioritising more expensive gadgets,” Reuters quotes Counterpoint’s senior analyst Shilpi Jain as saying.
Samsung retains its lead
Looking at individual manufacturers, Samsung retains its leading position in the market with a 23 per cent share, the study notes. This was driven by strong demand for the Galaxy Z Fold8 series and stable supplies of components for mid-range devices. Shipments for the quarter fell by 3 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Apple holds 22 per cent of the market. It exceeded a 20 per cent share for the first time in the third quarter, despite a year-on-year decline in shipment volumes.
The absence of a base-model iPhone 18 led to lower sales channel coverage in the month of launch compared with the full iPhone 17 range a year earlier, according to Counterpoint.
OPPO and vivo recorded a decline in shipments of more than 20 per cent. Xiaomi recorded a fall of more than 30 per cent, reducing its market share to 10 per cent, as it scaled back its presence in the lower-end device market and certain overseas markets to protect profits.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
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